toondos
This expansion makes the base game's campaign feel stale in comparison, and it's also obvious that it informed a lot of what Splatoon 3 did with its story mode.
Octo Expansion is an inventive and restless experience, never feeling too comfortable with itself. Because of that, things always remain interesting, engaging and surprisingly challenging.
This is classic Nintendo magic going on full steam, the type of magic that pushes the medium forward. Looking back, it was probably a watershed moment for Splatoon, which cemented it as one of the company's tentpole franchises.
Octo Expansion is an inventive and restless experience, never feeling too comfortable with itself. Because of that, things always remain interesting, engaging and surprisingly challenging.
This is classic Nintendo magic going on full steam, the type of magic that pushes the medium forward. Looking back, it was probably a watershed moment for Splatoon, which cemented it as one of the company's tentpole franchises.
2012
Not as bad as most remember it, but not good either. Its unhinged nature makes it fun and entertaining, but also incoherent and frustrating.
This game lives or dies by how much you can tolerate fetch quests. While most aren't good, Rising has a cute warmth to it. Its small-scale story and level repetition makes it a comforting experience, at least for me, and the mechanics and movement are simple yet refined enough.
Unfortunately, it is also a perfect example of not knowing when to finish, and my 16h run would have been a much more pleasant affair if it stayed around 12.
I liked it for what it was, though those who are not excited for the upcoming main game can skip it without much concern.
Unfortunately, it is also a perfect example of not knowing when to finish, and my 16h run would have been a much more pleasant affair if it stayed around 12.
I liked it for what it was, though those who are not excited for the upcoming main game can skip it without much concern.
2021
One of the biggest disappointments of the year, Tales of Arise feels like a balloon deflating unceremoniously after almost five years of build-up.
My relationship with Tales has been complicated, but this game has fixed that. It's actually rather simple now: I am done with this series.
Arise is not a dumpster fire, not even the series' lowest point. But it is a very mediocre game in almost every aspect except perhaps combat, if you're really into the button-smashy-type of gameplay the series has mastered in the last decade and become extremely committed to.
The worst part about this game are the bland characters. The story is not that good, and worse, is told with terrible pacing. But that's something Tales has consistently overcome thanks to its commitment to character interactions and banter. That doesn't happen this time.
This game broke my heart, but it also liberated me. I think there is still a crowd for what Tales offers in this era, but for me the series' appeal will remain in older titles like Symphonia and Graces.
My relationship with Tales has been complicated, but this game has fixed that. It's actually rather simple now: I am done with this series.
Arise is not a dumpster fire, not even the series' lowest point. But it is a very mediocre game in almost every aspect except perhaps combat, if you're really into the button-smashy-type of gameplay the series has mastered in the last decade and become extremely committed to.
The worst part about this game are the bland characters. The story is not that good, and worse, is told with terrible pacing. But that's something Tales has consistently overcome thanks to its commitment to character interactions and banter. That doesn't happen this time.
This game broke my heart, but it also liberated me. I think there is still a crowd for what Tales offers in this era, but for me the series' appeal will remain in older titles like Symphonia and Graces.
2021
I loved this game to death, but I also have mixed feelings about it.
On one hand, the story is simply incredible. It's not only more ambitious than the first one, but also more emotionally impactful, with real stakes that don't feel like a joke. The world building is in full steam here, and the whole generational conflict reminds me of things like Harry Potter, in the best possible way.
And yet, it feels less of a game than the first one. The first Psychonauts was a bit clunky, but also more committed to its mechanics and general gameplay. Psychonauts 2 feels more like a Sony-ish game: it's a much more streamlined experience focused in set pieces and production values rather than actual gameplay. The platforming is on-rails most of the time, and its hyper accessibility mitigates a lot of the difficulty and engaging, even if a bit frustrating, challenges of the first game.
Lastly, while sweet and effective, the comedy feels a bit less irreverent than the first game's. It's smarter: the meta jokes are in full bloom, for example. But it does feel like some of that initial "adult cartoon" edge is gone.
That I understand, though. Because as mentioned before, the general plot is less of a joke and more of an epic family drama with authentic, gut-punching moments. If you liked Psychonauts, you're gonna love this. I know I did.
On one hand, the story is simply incredible. It's not only more ambitious than the first one, but also more emotionally impactful, with real stakes that don't feel like a joke. The world building is in full steam here, and the whole generational conflict reminds me of things like Harry Potter, in the best possible way.
And yet, it feels less of a game than the first one. The first Psychonauts was a bit clunky, but also more committed to its mechanics and general gameplay. Psychonauts 2 feels more like a Sony-ish game: it's a much more streamlined experience focused in set pieces and production values rather than actual gameplay. The platforming is on-rails most of the time, and its hyper accessibility mitigates a lot of the difficulty and engaging, even if a bit frustrating, challenges of the first game.
Lastly, while sweet and effective, the comedy feels a bit less irreverent than the first game's. It's smarter: the meta jokes are in full bloom, for example. But it does feel like some of that initial "adult cartoon" edge is gone.
That I understand, though. Because as mentioned before, the general plot is less of a joke and more of an epic family drama with authentic, gut-punching moments. If you liked Psychonauts, you're gonna love this. I know I did.
I don't understand how they did it, but they managed to topple (pun intended) the main game's soundtrack with the best battle theme ever made by anyone.
OK, a bit of hyperbole there. But it really is fantastic, and the overall expansion also rules. It's more Xenoblade, just especially exciting for old fans.
OK, a bit of hyperbole there. But it really is fantastic, and the overall expansion also rules. It's more Xenoblade, just especially exciting for old fans.
This game is my personal standard for what any modern JRPG should be.
Fun story with awesome twists from the start, decent characters, fantatiscally corny British voice acting and tight combat. Oh, and possibly the most inventive fantasy setting from its era, not to mention my personal favorite soundtrack ever and a sense of exploration and scale that informed a lot of what would come next with games like Breath of the Wild.
While this re-release is the best version yet, and the re-arranged music is beautifully done, it also feels like the game doesn't reach it maximum potential in terms of presentation, with a very low 720p resolution.
Fun story with awesome twists from the start, decent characters, fantatiscally corny British voice acting and tight combat. Oh, and possibly the most inventive fantasy setting from its era, not to mention my personal favorite soundtrack ever and a sense of exploration and scale that informed a lot of what would come next with games like Breath of the Wild.
While this re-release is the best version yet, and the re-arranged music is beautifully done, it also feels like the game doesn't reach it maximum potential in terms of presentation, with a very low 720p resolution.
My experience with VR has been limited, but I really loved this. It's a very family friendly experience, with somewhat basic puzzles. But the writing is still good ol' Double Fine material, and the game is so narratively essential to the first one and the sequel (it's sandwiched between), that it's a must for any fan.
2005
Playing Psychonauts in 2021 was an absolute revelation for me.
What an incredible game filled with so much personality. Mechanically, it's not that inventive. It's your standard mascot platformer. And it's good! If a bit clunky sometimes.
But the writing, setting and HUMOR have aged so gracefully that I cannot come to other conclusion than this: Psychonauts was way, way ahead of its time.
What an incredible game filled with so much personality. Mechanically, it's not that inventive. It's your standard mascot platformer. And it's good! If a bit clunky sometimes.
But the writing, setting and HUMOR have aged so gracefully that I cannot come to other conclusion than this: Psychonauts was way, way ahead of its time.
2019
A beautiful example of how aethestics can get you really, really far.
While some might read that as an insult, I promise you, it's not. It's the biggest compliment I can give to a game filled with so much personality and style. Persona 5 might not have a a very original or engrossing gameplay system, and its story might be a bit too much of a cliché by the end; but it more that compensates in other areas.
The only real thing that works against it is its lenght. There's simply no good reason for it to be that long, and towards the middle both the game and story drag a lot.
A hugely influential title that I'd recommend to any JRPG fan, just keep in mind the long visual novel-like sections and its bad pacing.
While some might read that as an insult, I promise you, it's not. It's the biggest compliment I can give to a game filled with so much personality and style. Persona 5 might not have a a very original or engrossing gameplay system, and its story might be a bit too much of a cliché by the end; but it more that compensates in other areas.
The only real thing that works against it is its lenght. There's simply no good reason for it to be that long, and towards the middle both the game and story drag a lot.
A hugely influential title that I'd recommend to any JRPG fan, just keep in mind the long visual novel-like sections and its bad pacing.
2021
Mario's shortest adventure yet might be one of his most memorable.
In any other case, I would've eyerolled at the prospect of an "open world" Mario. But Bowser's Fury is an inventive title that proves that execution means everything.
The best part about the game is how it flows. The pacing is nonstop and masterfully crafted. There's no "fat" in this big, open level, not a wasted area or section.
This is what I hope the franchise aims for in the future, just at a larger scale.
In any other case, I would've eyerolled at the prospect of an "open world" Mario. But Bowser's Fury is an inventive title that proves that execution means everything.
The best part about the game is how it flows. The pacing is nonstop and masterfully crafted. There's no "fat" in this big, open level, not a wasted area or section.
This is what I hope the franchise aims for in the future, just at a larger scale.
2021
An outstanding achievement and a perfect example of what Pokémon can be in new hands.
New Pokémon Snap is everything every original Snap fan could've wanted, and then some more. Locations are varied and Pokémon don't just look great, but are also animated beautifully as well. A triumphant comeback that I hope leads to more in the future.
One of the best games of 2021.
New Pokémon Snap is everything every original Snap fan could've wanted, and then some more. Locations are varied and Pokémon don't just look great, but are also animated beautifully as well. A triumphant comeback that I hope leads to more in the future.
One of the best games of 2021.
2016
In many ways, Berseria is a mediocre affair plagued with many of the issues from previous entries, like lackluster dungeons and environments or reliance on filler content.
In the end though, things stay afloat because it has one of the best (if not THE best) cast in all of Tales. Everything from the writing, English acting and the chemistry between characters is in full steam here, and it's a delight to experience.
The skits are overused for sure, almost like Berseria knows it has little else going for it. And while that might be a deal breaker for most players, I believe that for many Tales fans, it will be enough.
In the end though, things stay afloat because it has one of the best (if not THE best) cast in all of Tales. Everything from the writing, English acting and the chemistry between characters is in full steam here, and it's a delight to experience.
The skits are overused for sure, almost like Berseria knows it has little else going for it. And while that might be a deal breaker for most players, I believe that for many Tales fans, it will be enough.
2021
I became what I swore to destroy.
1995
Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece.
It took me a while. More than 20 years, actually. But the fact that the game feels fresh today is a testament to the quality of the craft behind it. Everything about Chrono Trigger is a homerun: the legendary soundtrack, the beautiful pixel art, the genre-defining setting and the innocent sense of adventure that still throws some emotional punches.
But the best part about Chrono Trigger is the pacing. Most games today, specially JRPGs, struggle immensely with this. Chrono Trigger shows us how it’s done. There’s not a missing beat, not a tedious or unnecessary moment. It respects your time as a player. There’s no fat, just pure adventure and immersion.
I avoid romanticizing the past, because I am generally of the mind that this industry is amazing today. But I also truly believe videogames aren’t made like this anymore.
It took me a while. More than 20 years, actually. But the fact that the game feels fresh today is a testament to the quality of the craft behind it. Everything about Chrono Trigger is a homerun: the legendary soundtrack, the beautiful pixel art, the genre-defining setting and the innocent sense of adventure that still throws some emotional punches.
But the best part about Chrono Trigger is the pacing. Most games today, specially JRPGs, struggle immensely with this. Chrono Trigger shows us how it’s done. There’s not a missing beat, not a tedious or unnecessary moment. It respects your time as a player. There’s no fat, just pure adventure and immersion.
I avoid romanticizing the past, because I am generally of the mind that this industry is amazing today. But I also truly believe videogames aren’t made like this anymore.